We need more data about open data if the open government initiative is to succeed

The UK open data initiative – through which departments open up data by default for public use – is universally acknowledged as a force for democratic good. There is a tendency to see the initiative as the ‘little white bunny’ of public management reform – impossible to criticise, unequivocally positive, and capable of fulfilling multiple objectives, including improved governance, greater transparency and innovation. But where is the evidence?

The first thing to say is that we need more data about open data to be able to make a real judgement.